GROWING up in Rosebud was a confusing time for 28-year-old artist Shan Primrose, who – like many young people – was questioning her identity, her place in the world, and her future. But one constant in her journey of self-discovery was a love for creating colourful, vibrant images that spoke of her individuality, curiosity and energy for life.
Now, after a decade of honing her creative skills and working with artists all over the world, Primrose, who has Burmese and Australian heritage, is celebrating landing her “dream” collaboration with clothing brand Dangerfield. Her bold, bright designs are expected to appear in stores in the coming weeks.
It’s been a long and exciting road from Rosebud to a global platform, with challenges and incredible highs along the way. “I really love the peninsula, but back when I was a young female of colour at school, there really wasn’t an outlet or a platform for young artists,” she said. “I had to leave at that stage of my life, but now I’d love to show all young people that anything is possible If you follow your dreams.”
Primrose says that although confused about her identity as a teenager, she had support from some key people that helped guide her to where she is today. “I was a very conflicted young teen. Fortunately, I had an incredible art teacher called Jenny Mann [at Rosebud Secondary College] who saw potential in my art. She introduced me to Frida Kahlo, who was the first woman of colour artist that I knew of,” she said. “By this stage I knew I wanted to pursue art as a career. I sold my first commission that year, and the next year painted my first large scale mural on the peninsula at age 17.”
Now based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Primrose has been creating and teaching for 12 years, after completing her Bachelor of Visual Art and Design at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney in 2018 and undertaking an artist residency in Pueblo, Mexico, the following year. It was while overseas, she says, that she began exploring self-identity and the “complexities” of her cultural backgrounds.
“After returning to Australia and working on many projects with brands like Converse, Platypus Shoes and Splendour in the Grass, Primrose launched her debut solo show Dog’s Breakfast in 2021 at two separate showings.
One exhibition was held on the peninsula at The Factory Creative Studios, Mornington. This was a very special occasion as her art teachers from her former school in Rosebud came to the opening event. Then in May 2023 she embarked on a second overseas residency in Naples, Italy, for three weeks, and used the time to develop her skills and explore new mediums and techniques. “It hasn’t been easy, but I want other young people to know that opportunities are out there,” Primrose said.
